In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the cream, sage, cider, sugar, melted butter, salt and cinnamon. Whisk to combine. Add the bread, apples and squash, and stir to combine. Pour into the prepared dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the bread is well saturated, up to one hour. Bake until the top is golden brown and the center is firm, about one hour. Top with smoked cheese and melt. Remove from oven and drizzle with cider butter (see below).

Cider Butter

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

1⁄2 cup sugar

1⁄2 cup hard cider

Reduce the cider and sugar until it coats a spoon. Whisk in cold butter.

Duck

Make approximately six small scores into the skin of the breasts and place in a large sauté pan over low heat. Render the fat for about 15 minutes, discarding it as it accumulates. Then turn up heat to medium high and sear until golden brown. Turn over and cook an additional two minutes, then remove the duck from the pan and allow it to rest for two to three minutes. Cut into very thin slices. Place on plate next to bread pudding, drizzle with cider butter, and sprinkle bacon pieces over all. Serve with a delicious glass of J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet. Enjoy!